Coding skills are increasingly vital across various industries, not just tech. As businesses become more reliant on digital operations, professionals with programming expertise are highly sought after. If you’re considering a programming career, a wide range of exciting paths are available. This article will explore eight distinct coding jobs, detailing the programming languages that align with each career opportunity, helping you decide what to do in your programming career.
Murtadha Al-Tameemi, a software engineer at Meta with a decade of experience, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in this dynamic field. He recalls initially sticking to familiar frameworks but realized that embracing new technologies is crucial for growth. “Now I try to go out of my way to keep up with new technologies in my field and adopt the newest stuff even if it comes at the expense of slowing me down while I have to learn,” he shares, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of a successful programming career.
Eight Programming Jobs and Essential Languages to Learn
The pervasiveness of technology means coding proficiency is valuable across numerous professions and sectors. Below, we outline eight coding jobs, along with salary expectations and relevant programming languages to learn if you’re aiming for a specific career path. Salary data represents the median annual wage from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, updated as of December 2024.
1. Web Developer
Web developers are the architects of the internet, writing code to build and maintain websites. Depending on your specialization, you might focus on front-end development (designing the user-facing parts of a website), back-end development (managing the server-side functionality and databases), or full-stack development (handling both front-end and back-end aspects). As a web developer, you’ll be instrumental in creating the online experiences users interact with daily, making it a versatile choice for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $92,750 [1]
Key Programming Languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end; Python, Java, or Ruby for back-end.
Read more: What Does a Web Developer Do (And How Do I Become One)?
2. Software Engineer/Software Developer
Software engineers are the masterminds behind software applications, from computer games to mobile apps and complex network systems. Within this broad field, you can specialize in areas like systems development, application development, or quality assurance testing. Choosing to become a software engineer is a robust decision for what to do in a programming career, as it offers diverse opportunities and high demand.
Median US Salary: $132,270 [2]
Key Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++.
Read more: What Does a Software Engineer Do?
3. IT Technician
While coding isn’t always a strict requirement for IT technician roles, basic programming skills can significantly enhance your capabilities. IT technicians who can code can automate solutions for common IT issues and streamline administrative tasks. This makes coding a valuable asset for those wondering what to do in a programming career that’s more hands-on with hardware and systems.
Median US Salary: $60,810 [3]
Key Programming Languages: Python.
Read more: What is an IT Technician? How to Become One
4. Data Scientist
Data scientists are highly sought after across industries for their expertise in leveraging data to inform business strategies. In this role, you’ll utilize programming languages to uncover patterns and trends in large datasets, develop algorithms and models, and present data visualizations to communicate your insights effectively. For those interested in analytical and problem-solving roles, data science is a compelling option for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $108,020 [4]
Key Programming Languages: SQL, Python, R.
Read more: Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should I Learn?
5. Systems Administrator
Systems administrators, or sysadmins, are responsible for ensuring the functionality and efficiency of a company’s computer systems. This involves tasks like configuring and upgrading servers and networks, troubleshooting issues, and monitoring security. If you enjoy maintaining and optimizing systems, becoming a systems administrator is a practical choice for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $95,360 [5]
Key Programming Languages: Python, Perl, Bash, PowerShell.
6. Product Manager
Product managers are at the helm of product vision, business strategy, and development. For product managers in the digital realm, coding experience can greatly improve team communication and facilitate quicker troubleshooting of technical challenges. This role combines business acumen with technical understanding, offering a unique path for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $169,510 [6]
Key Programming Languages: JavaScript, Python, SQL.
7. Cybersecurity Analyst
As a cybersecurity analyst, your mission is to safeguard your company’s networks from unauthorized access and respond effectively to security breaches. A fundamental grasp of programming empowers cybersecurity analysts to automate routine security tasks and develop more robust defenses. For those passionate about digital security, this is a critical and growing field for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $120,360 [7]
Key Programming Languages: JavaScript, Python, C, C++.
Read more: What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do? 2025 Job Guide
8. User Experience (UX) Designer
UX designers focus on creating digital products that are user-friendly, accessible, and enjoyable. While coding isn’t mandatory for UX designers, possessing this skill can enhance collaboration with engineering teams and lead to more technically informed designs. If you’re interested in the human side of technology and design, UX design presents an engaging avenue for what to do in a programming career.
Median US Salary: $83,240 [1]
Key Programming Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
Read more: What Does a UX Designer Do?
Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Coding Languages
If you’re new to programming and wondering what to do in a programming career as a starting point, consider learning one of these beginner-friendly languages:
1. Swift: Swift is Apple’s powerful language used to develop applications for iOS, tvOS, and macOS. Designed for ease and efficiency, Swift features a straightforward syntax that’s accessible even without prior coding experience.
2. JavaScript: JavaScript is a ubiquitous language for web content, particularly favored by front-end developers. Its widespread use means a large and helpful community supports learners, and its design caters to beginners, making it an excellent introductory language.
3. C: C is a versatile, general-purpose language that serves as a robust foundation. It’s used to build a wide range of applications, from operating systems like Unix and Windows to software like Photoshop. C has a concise 32-word syntax and easily understandable data structures.
4. Python: Python is a favorite among data scientists, AI/machine learning professionals, web developers, and embedded application developers. Its clean syntax with significant whitespace and extensive libraries make this high-level, general-purpose language exceptionally easy to learn.
5. Java: Java is a popular object-oriented, general-purpose language, especially for back-end developers and those creating security-focused applications. Its intuitive syntax and structure contribute to a smooth learning curve.
Essential Tips for Landing a Programming Job
As you explore what to do in a programming career and start your job search, keep these crucial tips in mind:
Gain Practical Experience Through Freelancing
Many organizations need coding expertise to solve specific problems and are often open to hiring individuals with less formal experience. Freelancing provides opportunities to take on projects that don’t necessitate full-time employment but are still essential for businesses. These temporary roles are invaluable for building your portfolio and enhancing your resume, offering a practical step in what to do in a programming career.
Freelance coding opportunities can be found with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals requiring coding assistance for various projects.
Read more: Computer Science Internships: Your Guide for 2025
Develop a Strong Programming Portfolio
For coders, a portfolio is paramount. The adage “Show, don’t tell” is particularly relevant in programming. A well-curated portfolio is a powerful asset when applying for coding jobs, demonstrating tangible skills and projects related to what to do in a programming career.
To build your portfolio, showcase projects from bootcamps, certifications, or personal initiatives. Ensure your code is efficient, readable, and well-commented to explain your process and logic.
Read more: 7 UX Designer Portfolio Examples: A Beginner’s Guide
Optimize Your Resume
While a portfolio is crucial, a compelling resume remains essential. Here are key tips to enhance your resume and highlight your readiness for what to do in a programming career:
- List Proficient Languages: Clearly state all programming languages you are proficient in and your skill level for each.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Include workplace skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Tailor to Job Descriptions: Customize your resume for each job application, aligning your experience with the specific requirements in the job description.
- Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your contributions in previous roles.
Read more: Software Engineer Resume: Examples, Tips, and More for 2024
Prepare for Technical Interviews
Technical interviews are common in the hiring process for coding jobs. These interviews often assess your technical skills through questions and live coding tests. Proactively ask recruiters about the interview format and prepare for technical assessments by reviewing common technical interview questions.
Is a Degree Necessary for a Coding Job?
It is absolutely possible to secure a coding job without a traditional degree. With focused training and the right skills, you can launch a successful coding career. Coding and IT jobs are in high demand, with the BLS projecting a 17 percent growth in the IT sector between 2023 and 2033, significantly faster than average [8]. This reinforces the accessibility and opportunity available in what to do in a programming career.
While a degree can be beneficial, many employers prioritize technical skills demonstrated through assessments and portfolios over formal education. You can acquire the necessary skills through online courses, certifications, and coding bootcamps.
Build In-Demand Coding Skills on Coursera
If you’re exploring what to do in a programming career and unsure where to begin, consider the University of Michigan’s Python for Everybody Specialization on Coursera. This specialization teaches fundamental programming concepts using Python, a beginner-friendly language, covering data structures, APIs, and databases.
To start building your portfolio and pursue a career as a web developer, the University of Michigan’s Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization is an excellent choice. You’ll learn to create responsive and accessible websites using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
For those interested in industry-recognized credentials, the Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate program on Coursera is a great starting point. This program focuses on developing the skills needed for entry-level roles, including full-stack web development, object-oriented programming principles, and the software development life cycle, directly preparing you for what to do in a programming career.
